A milestone has been reached in the mammoth effort to make the Pakenham line level crossing free.
The new rail bridge over Webb Street in Narre Warren is now operational, with trains running through the platform since Monday 11 December.
Transport Infrastructure Minister Danny Pearson said: “We’re thrilled to mark this huge milestone in Melbourne’s south-east, with the removal of the level crossing at Webb Street, easing congestion for local drivers.”
While the new Narre Warren station continues construction, trains will be running express through the station until late March 2024.
Shuttle buses will also help move passengers between Narre Warren, Hallam and Berwick Stations.
Narre Warren MP Belinda Wilson said: “With 19 near misses in 12 years, locals will be relieved to know the Webb Street level crossing is gone for good, with a brand new Narre Warren station following next year.”
The State Government has now removed 74 dangerous and congested level crossings, with Narre Warren’s Webb Street being the 14th to be removed on the Pakenham Line.
With all level crossings on the line set to be removed by 2025, its effects will transform the way people work, travel and live in the south-eastern suburbs, the government said.
Construction works are also continuing on level crossings in Pakenham, where a two-kilometre rail bridge and two new stations are set to be built, opening to passengers in 2024.
Together with the opening of the Metro Tunnel in 2025, these projects will provide capacity for 121,000 passengers every week on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines during peak periods.
In addition, it will give access to five new underground stations in Melbourne’s CBD and surrounding areas.
